In addition, we’ve developed a system you can use to evaluate your favorite eating places, including a “Red Flag” scale for each questionable activity you may see. We’ve divided restaurants into three groups: Quick Service, encompassing fast-food or counter-service places (like a hot dog stand outside your local hardware store), Buffet restaurants, and Full Service, which covers the sit-down-and-eat places, both casual and fine dining. Some facilities may fit into more than one of these groups, but the basic principles will be covered here.

Red Flags are not set in stone. You may want to take a chance with a restaurant, even if you see a big Red Flag, just because you trust the location. It comes down to using your best judgment. We want to help your best judgment become better. To learn our rating scale on Red Flags, click here.